Ohio businessman and millionaire Edward Crawford has just recently become the new US Ambassador in Dublin. But he made the rural Cork village of Boherbue his first official visit, just 10 days into the job.
His mother, Mary Healy emigrated from the area in 1927, and her son Edward has returned, becoming another example of the dream of success of the Irish diaspora.
Mr Crawford's appointment formalises Ireland's links with the US State Department and White House after an absence at Ambassador level during the Trump presidency.
His predecessors include such notables including President Kennedy's sister, Jean Kennedy Smith and the former Pittsburgh Steelers' sports team owner Dan Rooney.
Frankie Sheehan of Munster Rugby, Frank Sheehan, Dr. Mary Joyce Leader and Michael Cronin chatting the US Ambassador Edward F. Crawford during his visit to Boherbue yesterday.However, local Irish links were on the new Ambassador's mind during a rapturous reception last week in the Community Hall in the County Cork village situated between Newmarket and Mallow.
"I've returned here five or six times over the years, and like my mother I've always kept Boherbue close to my heart" he said.
The Local GP, Dr Leader who first issued the invitation to Ambassador Crawford visit his Cork ancestral roots was present among the several delegations to meet him.
Former Irish rugby international Frankie Sheehan, also from Boherbue completed the impressive local lineup.
Eileen Linehan, Maura Walsh and Triona Murphy of IRD Duhallow pictured with the Ambassador.The red-headed US mid-western millionaire mingled comfortably with Cork locals, as villagers performed Irish dancing and invited him in for a pint in the local pub, which he dutifully obliged.
Mr Crawford also delivered a ten-minute speech, celebrating Irish-American connections and speaking of his family ancestry in Ireland's largest county.
Michael Cronin presented the Ambassador with a Boherbue GAA Jersey.Shiela Fitzgerald attended as a local journalist with the Corkman newspaper.
She told the Irish Post, "the Ambassador was very approachable, was in no hurry, and took photos with everyone who asked. He was very relaxed alongside locals and even took some scones, offered to him from his ancestral home."
